"Option 2 is a no-go. The files are serialized. You may have had success finding a sax file for somebody else's serial number, but it won't work in your radio." - EXCELLENT POINT
"I'm getting the feeling that you don't really understand how our system works."

Andy,

Thanks for chiming in and offering excellent advise. I don't work for, nor have I ever work for Spektrum, Horizon Hobby or anyone in the manufacturing of RC related products. Heck, I am not even a software engineer, and I don't program code for a living other than to dabble as a hobbyist. IF you say it can't be done, then so be it.

If you have a brick.........Send it to Horizon Hobby IS the best option by far. Totally agree.

I'm certainly not trained or experience to prove you other wise.

However,,,,,A "Workaround" - I will wager to say, that someone who IS a guru and has the original software that built the firmware can ,,,,plug into the servo port or by reader card soldered to the motherboard would be able manipulate that firmware. NO one ever designed code that does not have a back door to manipulate the code. Maybe I'm wrong but.....This is how updates and revisions are done! Right?